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LeBron James Leaves Lakers, Signs Two-Year $8M Deal with Sixers

7/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

LeBron James signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers on July 24, 2026.
Agent Rich Paul confirmed James will not return to the Los Angeles Lakers.
James said the deal is “not for money” and that he still wants to compete for a championship.
He joins a roster that includes Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey and rookie V.J. Edgecombe, after the Sixers acquired Brown by trading Paul George and draft picks.

History

Historical Context

LeBron James’ 2026 two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers mirrors his 2010 free-agency move that birthed the Miami Heat’s “Big Three.” In July 2010, the Heat, with $48 million cap space, signed James and Chris Bosh to six-year, $110.1 million deals alongside Dwyane Wade, launching the modern NBA super-team era; Pat Riley’s cap-cutting plan and the trio’s Finals run set a template later teams have copied.

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Story summary

LeBron James signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers on July 24, 2026.
Agent Rich Paul confirmed James will not return to the Los Angeles Lakers.
James said the deal is “not for money” and that he still wants to compete for a championship.
He joins a roster that includes Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey and rookie V.J. Edgecombe, after the Sixers acquired Brown by trading Paul George and draft picks.

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